IIT Delhi engineer develops fridge that runs without truck engine, cuts cooling costs by 75%

A New Approach to Truck Refrigeration

A young IIT Delhi alumna and her co-founders are tackling a persistent problem in India's cold-chain logistics: keeping perishable goods cold without relying on the truck's engine. Shaivee Malik, along with Vivek Mahindrakar and Dharmik Bapodara, founded Yotuh Energy, a climate-tech startup developing electric refrigeration systems that operate independently of the vehicle's engine.

The company's core product, the eRIL (Electric Refrigeration for Intracity Logistics) system, uses battery power to run refrigeration independently of the vehicle. This means the truck can stop, idle, or even break down without the cooling automatically stopping, according to the company. The system can operate for around six to eight hours on a single charge and can be retrofitted to both internal-combustion and electric vehicles.

The technology is designed for small commercial vehicles in India's intracity delivery network. It includes door sensors that detect when doors are opened and adjust cooling accordingly, providing temperature monitoring and live operational visibility. Yotuh says the system can cut refrigeration running costs by up to 75%, and can save 3–36 tonnes of CO2 per unit annually.

From Formula Racing to Cold-Chain Innovation

Malik's engineering journey began at IIT Delhi, where she was part of AXLR8R Formula Racing, the institute's Formula Student team, serving as associate team captain. She graduated in 2021 with a degree in biotechnology. Her co-founders, Mahindrakar and Bapodara, brought backgrounds in mechanical engineering and production and industrial engineering, respectively.

The trio founded Yotuh Energy in 2022, initially registering the company in Delhi before moving to Chennai for an incubation programme at IIT Madras. The company's name is derived from Sanskrit and refers to the act of cleaning, according to the post that drew attention to the startup.

Early Traction and Funding

Yotuh Energy has raised Rs 1.53 crore in funding. Initial financial support came from Malik's family, followed by grants from the agriculture ministry, the science and technology department, and other institutions. The company says customers include distributors associated with Amul ice cream and McCain frozen foods.

According to the company, customers have completed over 1,000 temperature-sensitive deliveries covering over 3 lakh kilometres, with reported temperature compliance of 90–95% in real operations. Deployments involve last-mile vehicles such as the Tata Ace.

Addressing a Critical Gap

The startup focuses on India's cold-chain sector, where inadequate storage and transport infrastructure can cause substantial food wastage. Traditional truck refrigeration often depends on the vehicle's engine, leading to diesel consumption even when the truck is stationary. By separating the refrigeration system from the engine, Yotuh aims to reduce diesel use and lower costs for operators.

The company's work has attracted attention on social media, with a post shared on X highlighting the technology and its potential impact. While the post did not provide independent verification, the claims align with the company's own statements.